Businesses in the Accra metropolis yesterday came to a halt during the disinfection of major markets to improve sanitary conditions in the capital.
Though some activities were ongoing, the brisk business activities that often characterised most markets in the capital were absent due to the exercise. Streets were also deserted as commuters, transport owners and traders stayed at home.
When the Ghanaian Times visited areas such as Kaneshie, Nima, Agbogbloshie, Adabraka, Kaneshie, Tudu, and Makola among others, shops were closed by traders to allow unimpeded disinfection exercise.
Personnel engaged in the exercise were seen in their numbers spraying shops, metal containers, and gutters among others to sanitise the areas.
On hand to ensure the success of the exercise were personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Police, National Disaster and Management Organisation, and health experts from the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), among others.
Trucks loaded with goods such as onions, plantains, vegetables had been parked at some of the markets ready to offload for traders.
Transport business was also affected as most of the terminals in the markets were empty without vehicles.
Food vendors and street hawking were also absent at the markets and on major streets that were virtually empty.
The Coordinating Director of Ayawaso East Municipal Assembly, Nii Armah Ashittey in an interview with the Ghanaian Times said the exercise was crucial to ensure that the markets which were densely populated places were disinfected to make them conducive for business.
He commended the traders for their co-operation in ensuring the smooth running of the exercise.
“When we got to the market this morning, all the shops were closed for the exercise with no trader in the markets to sell their wares.
A station master at the Kaneshie market, Mr Paul Somuah, told the Ghanaian Times that most of the drivers did not come to the market due to the traders not being in town due to the exercise.
Mr Somuah hoped that trading activities would bounce back today when the traders resume business.
Some of the commuters and market leaders commended government for embarking on the exercise to improve sanitation in market places.
It forms part of plans to disinfect public spaces in an attempt to enhance conditions of hygiene.
The exercise covered 137 markets in the Greater Accra Region and zoned according to districts.
The traders are expected to resume business today.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI
